<< Back
What are the relationships between sensory impairments, such as hearing and vision loss, and cognitive decline in older adults?
Willa Brenowitz
University of California
San Francisco, CA - United States
Background
Loss of hearing, vision, or smell is common in older adults. Many sensory impairments are treatable, but if left untreated, they can negatively impact a person's quality of life and can lead to social isolation. Sensory impairments have also been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias. People with more than one sensory deficit may be at even greater risk of developing these diseases.
It is unclear whether deficits in sensory abilities, including vision, hearing or smell, result from underlying cognitive impairment, or if they are the cause of the impairment. Further research is needed to understand the connections between changes in sensory ability and cognitive impairment.
Research Plan
Dr. Willa Brenowitz and colleagues are working to clarify relationships between multiple types of sensory impairments and cognitive decline- meaning changes in memory, thinking and reasoning including Alzheimer's. They plan to leverage data from a long-term study of 16 years (sponsored by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health) called Health ABC that included sensory measures and health outcomes for over 2,600 older adults. They will analyze data from this study to determine if multiple sensory impairments increased a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's, and if demographic information is an indicator of the individual's vulnerability to potential later life impact of sensory impairments. They will look to associate their findings with factors also found to be linked to Alzheimer's, including genes that increase risk and brain changes. In addition, the Dr. Brenowitz will evaluate the links of the Alzheimer's related changes to the individual's heart health.
Impact
Many tools are available to help restore senses in older adults, such as hearing aids, glasses or bifocals, etc. If successful, this study could reveal ways such interventions may help treat cognitive impairments. The study may also help identify sensory deficits that could be an early indicator of brain-related changes seen in Alzheimer's.
This project is sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter.
Back to Top